Stealing from foster children

Re “Staffers use gift cards meant for kids,” Nov. 7

It was disappointing to read that government employees entrusted with funds for foster children used the money for themselves, friends and relatives. How different is this from shoplifting or embezzlement in the private sector?

In recent years, I have substantially increased my charitable donations. The actions of these employees cause damage that far surpasses the monetary amount of what they took, as it gives donors doubt about diversions of contributions and could result in decreased charitable giving. The disciplinary procedures against these employees should consist of job termination and arrest for larceny, with a sentence of community service.

Cheryl Legan

Los Angeles

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The very child welfare professionals who are charged with providing some modest portion of joy for children within the foster care system are instead stealing from these kids to the tune of thousands of dollars. If the public doesn’t think that this affects us all, then I suggest we take a look at criminal activity and prison statistics in Los Angeles County. These have much to do with inadequate child care, an essential component in creating a healthy adult population. The responses from the auditor and the head of the Department of Children and Family Services are sadly inappropriate; there is clearly a case for criminal prosecution here. And how appropriate that theater tickets were misappropriated so that those with no ethical compass could have the pleasure of attending a performance of “Wicked.”

Marjorie Loring

Gauley

Thousand Oaks